Absolutely positively one of the most incredible influencers in our city is Ashley Perlitch. Her dedication to causes that battle discrimination and bullying in our schools and community have been a much welcomed and needed game-changer. From the LGBTQ+ community to the importance of inclusivity for all, Ashley has taught us all the importance of being an ally to underrepresented groups and communities. Ashley founded the award winning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group and continues to work on DEI awareness programs in our schools and in our communities and her group also contributes to the Annual Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair.
Ashley has positively influenced so many and deserves to be recognized as one of the Top Ten Positive Women Influencers in our city, if not top 3.
Before coming to Scotts Valley, where did you live?
Before our family spread its roots in Scotts Valley, we lived in the Old Quad of Santa Clara where we started our family.
What brought you to Scotts Valley and how long have you lived here?
My husband and I went to UC Santa Cruz and lived on the West Side for years before moving over the hill. We love this area and its people so much! When it came to deciding our families next steps after outgrowing our home, we both wanted to come back to the coast. While looking into different areas, we discovered Scotts Valley! The proximity to the beach while being nestled in the trees turned out to be exactly what we were looking for. We’ve been here since 2018.
What do you love most about living here?
There are so many amazing things about Scotts Valley that I love that it’s hard to pick just one. The fact that we live in the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains surrounded by old growth red wood forests is something I’m in awe of everyday day. How did we get so lucky??? I also love the amazing community of friends that our family has connected with here, especially at Brook Knoll Elementary.
I have met so many amazing, kind, and talented women that I am so grateful to have in my village.
Please describe what drives and motivates you to do more for others and for the people of Scotts Valley.
My family is my biggest inspiration. My husband is a talented musician and engineer who has always supported my goals and efforts (no matter how many I take on at once 😂). His euphoric personality creates such a positive vibe within our family. My daughter is one the most thoughtful and inventive people that I have ever met. She strives for greatness in everything she does and her passion for justice makes her a true advocate. My son’s creative mind keeps us all on our toes and open to seeing new perspectives. He is also the sweetest kid on the playground and is always looking for more friends to join in. Seeing the kindness that my family exudes encourages me to want to do the same. Contributing to a community that allows for people, like those in my family, to thrive here is something I truly believe in and inspires me daily to make every effort our to make our corner of the world (Scotts Valley) better place ❤️.